Get a copy of the ABC's of reloading. You'll be glad you did. After reading that cover to cover you should have a good idea of what to do and get. Then look back here for equipment and supplies specific questions.

 

http://www.carolinashootersclub.com/threads/7691-looking-to-get-into-reloading i asked something simliar not to long ago.

 

anything RCBS is good to go ... I reload 9mm for about 1/2 store bought prices.

 

RCBS rock chucked supreme kit

 

Ok, I'm thinking about getting into the reloading bit but need some input. Main calibers to be reloaded will be 9mm and 30-30 to start with. Here's my list of questions:

Roughly, what do you think the savings would be to reload?
None. You end up shooting twice as much cause all your loads shoot like federal Gold match. Yes you can load for less, but you eat up the savings by shooting more. So, no real dollar reduction.
Here's a can of worms, but what press would be the best bang for the buck?
Lee Classic turret. The cast iron one. Can be used as a single stage till you are comfortable and then go to an indexing turret. Not as finicky as a progressive for a beginner to set up. Strong enough for rifle rounds. Once the dies are installed in the turret swapping calibers is quick and easy.
What's the best way to get started?
Read the ABC's of Reloading and then put out a call for help/instruction from a local reloader. You can probably dope it out or your own but why miss the camaraderie of the Reloading community.

Start scrounging and saving brass. Your son can pitch in. If you really want to save some cash on plinking ammo, look into casting or at lease check out cast lead for reloading. Another way to decrease your reloading cost is to bulk buy powder, primer and bullets. You will see group buys on here that really drive down the price.

The way my son shoots the Winchester I'm going to be forced to take out a loan to by ammo! ;50cal

Hope this helps.

 

to start, I would buy the 30-30 setup; 9mm is minimal cost savings. For nice tuned loads, Atlanta arms and ammo supplies the ammo for a lot of competition shooters, you can get major and minor loads.

As mentioned, you will not save any money as you will shoot more. The benefit is in tuning the loads to your liking and being able to shoot more for the same cost. Plus it is fun to do with your kids, as a stress reliever, just to get away from work for a while and focus on something else. And if you are going shooting in the morning and you realized you forgot to buy ammo, head over to the bench and crank out a couple of hundred and you are good to go!

IMO, the cost savings only comes when you buy in bulk. If you aren't ordering 5k of bullets, 10k of primers, 8lb jugs of powder, etc., at a time, you really don't get a discount on the component cost, plus the hazmat fee will kill any savings unless you are ordering a lot at the same time. Small quantities are expensive.

Don't forget all the ancillary stuff you must have to load: scale, case gauge, adjustment wrenches, micrometer, etc. Not just as simple as getting a press and a set of dies.

Don't know where you are located, but I'm sure someone is close by and would have you come over and show you the ropes on a press. All the books in the world are great, but there is nothing like watching and learning from someone who has been there and done that. It will also let you try out a couple of different presses to see what you like and are comfortable with.

HTH,
Shannon

 

If you are in the Durham area, I'll be happy to show you my pistol setup (Lee Loadmaster) and go over things as much as I know. I'm new at it but have successfully reloaded about 500 rounds of 40 S&W, learning in small batches all the time.

 

Reword your request to include the wish to see the various types of reloading equipment in use in your area; most folks on this site will volunteer to show you the ropes, good luck.

 

What's the best way to get started?

The best way to get started is to learn from a friend. Where are you located?

Lee single stage is a good cost-effective way to get started. check out this kit:
https://fsreloading.com/lee-breech-lock-challenger-kit-90030.html